Buck Davidson and Quasar Keep the Lead in the Merial Open Intermediate Division

Dana Chase and Aerolite soar into the Lone Star Water complex in the Merial Open Intermediate division. USEA/Leslie Threlkeld photo.

Buck Davidson and Ann Clements’ promising 7-year-old, Quasar, made easy work of Captain Mark Phillips’ Intermediate championship cross-country course today at the 2014 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by VTO Saddlery. They maintained their overnight lead (30.4) after dressage atop the field of 32 competitors, and are followed in placing by Elisa Wallace and Rosemarie Spillane’s Corteo (31.7).

Texan Megan Noelle Wilson and Ghypsy added nothing to their dressage score (27.6) on cross-country to maintain their lead in the Jr./Yr. Preliminary, as did Heather Morris and Charlie Tango (25.4). Darlene McInnes from Colorado and her own Warlord maintained their dressage score of 28.3 and moved up from second to first in the Senior Preliminary Amateur.

At the Training level, Natasha Erschen and Magic Drummer moved up from second to first after cross-country (22.3). Anne Kornak and Double Rivers Really Cool moved to the top in the Sr. Training Amateur (29.1). Beau Guimond and his own Filibuster ST broke out of their tie for first place by laying down a double-clear cross-country round (28.2).

Beginner Novice and Novice got underway today in dressage. Last year’s Senior Novice Amateur division Julia Denton with Win/Win Situation are currently tied for first place with Kristin Hardy and Enchanted on a score of 27.5. Andrea Leatherman and Mr. Poppers had the best score of the morning, earning a 21.5 in the Novice Horse division. The leading scores in all three Beginner Novice division are better than 25.0. Beginner Novice and Novice will ride cross-country on Saturday and the 2014 champions will be crowned on Sunday.

Spectators are rolling in for the cross-country phase for the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final, which begins at 4:15. This evening, the Weatherbeeta Dog Show and the Adult Rider Social will take place in the trade fair.